THE OLD ROAD TO DELPHI

Where else would you begin your journey into ancient Greece than in its pulsating heart, Athens? This is where democracy was born, 2,500 years ago, and today the place where ordinary citizens would take turns to debate issues, the iconic Parthenon, still stands proudly atop the Acropolis, looking out over the sprawling city. Visit the National Archaeological Museum to get a good grasp of classic Greece (the museum showcases the finest collection of Greek antiquities in the world), before making the gradual ascent up the Acropolis.

Other incredible classic sites not to be missed are the Ancient Agora, Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch and Hadrian’s Library, and in between visits, soak up the energy of Athens in buzzing neighbourhoods such as Monastiraki and Psyrri. Once you’ve taken it all in, stroll down to pretty Plaka, where you’ll find your boutique bolthole, AVA Hotel. 

On to the Peloponnese - you’ll drive past the Corinth Canal, the head-scratchingly narrow canal which connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf, allowing ships to make a short cut to Athens’ port, Piraeus. Continue on to Nafplio, resting on the shores of the silvery Argolic Gulf and cradling historic sites that echo its past. Explore the twin fortresses of Palamidi and Akronafplia, key to Greece’s War of Independence; discover the Venetian castles like Bourtzi; and you can’t miss the Ottoman mosques and fountains that remain from the occupation.

Nafplio is the ideal base from which to explore the ancient site of Epidaurus, famous for its theatre, which dates from the 3^rd century BC. The acoustics of the theatre are truly extraordinary - so much so that it is still the venue for classical drama performances, just as it was thousands of years ago. Epidaurus also holds the Sanctuary of Asklepios: a healing site dedicated to the Greek god of medicine. Back in Nafplio, you’ll stay at Nafplia Palace, tucked away beneath the ancient walls of the Palamidi.

Make a detour en route to Olympia to visit Agamemnon’s citadel at Mycenae, immortalised in Homer’s epithets of ‘well-built Mycenae, rich in gold’, before heading on to the ‘Valley of the Gods’, where Olympia lies.

Spanning more than a millennium and dating back to 776BC, Olympia was the site of the Panhellenic Games - the precursor to the modern Olympics. Marvel at the stadium, which could hold 20,000 spectators, and the Temple of Zeus, which was where the Olympian flame was kept alight. Having taken it all in, drive on to your hotel for the night, Hotel Europa, and enjoy a relaxing dip in the pool after a busy day sightseeing.

Take the three-hour drive along the northern Peloponnese, along coastal roads that hug the cliffs, before arriving at the spot that was once considered the centre of the world, the place where man was closest to god: Delphi.

Clinging to the slopes of Mount Parnassus and watching over the untamed wilderness below, Delphi symbolised spirituality and unity with its Sanctuary of Apollo - the temple where the great Oracle was consulted. This archaeological site commands awe at every twist and turn - you can’t blame the ancient Greeks for believing that this was the cultural and religious centre of the world. According to Greek mythology, Zeus sent two eagles from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world, and it was here that they met.

Afterwards, spend the night at Domotel Anemolia Mountain Resort, and enjoy some biking or hiking around the village of Arachova.

The final stop on your classic Greece holiday is the southernmost point of Attica, Sounio, where the Temple of Poseidon stands enthroned on a rocky outcrop above the glittering sea. Shrouded in myth, it is said that King Menelaus docked his ship at Sounio on his return journey from Troy, and King Aegeus had the Aegean Sea named after him after he lost his life in this spot.

This is a beautiful location to spend the last days of your Greek odyssey, and your hotel, Cape Sounio, is an elegant retreat looking out towards the ancient temple across the sea. Indulge in a spa treatment, glide out to sea in a private yacht and toast your holiday with a glass of champagne.